I Want Candy!

Apparently I am notthe onlybloggerto have used Bow Wow Wow’s song as inspiration for the title of my candy-buffet post. And here I thought I was being original. Oh well, I’ll just have to walk around with the song stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

Since I’ve given up sugar/sweets/desserts for Lent, I of course cannot seem to get sugar/sweets/desserts out of my mind. So, clearly, I am torturing myself with images of delectable candy buffets. What else would I do with my time? Sigh.

Mr. CA and I had a lot of back and forth when it came to our favors. Do we want to do something awesome like making tons of cute little soaps? Do we want to give them little seed packets? Do we want to do little potted plants/seedlings/bulbs? Do I want to make lavender sachets? I honestly was at a loss. What the heck do I DO?

And then I found the world of wedding blogs. Ahh. With all of their sugary, candy-buffet goodness. I actually haven’t been to a wedding with a candy buffet before, but I just imagine myself attending one and going crazy over the candy. That you get to choose. YOURSELF. You get to use cute little scoops and put everything in a cute little box/baggie. And take it home with you. Or, gorge yourself while still at the reception. That might be what some people would do (me).

My mom and aunt were at a wedding recently, and they said that they were the first people to mob the candy table. Once they broke the first-person-to-approach-the-table seal, it was like a flood-tide breaking loose. Who says grownups can’t appreciate a good candy buffet, too?? Seriously, people. I also think that it’s a nice treat for people to enjoy at the reception or back in their hotel rooms. Instant gratification.

Can I let you in on a little secret? I am seriously in love with lollipops. And those rock-candy sticks. And the old-fashioned swirly lollipops. I don’t know what it is, but they are just so adorable. Maybe it’s the fact that they’re on a stick? Not sure.

I love the fun colors, bunting, and signage of this next one. Bunting is a requirement for candy buffets, right? Well, it should be.

One of the best parts of a candy buffet, in my humble opinion, is that it also doubles as a decor element. The “wow” factor of a massive spread of colorful candy in pretty jars is just awesome! And there are so many different ways to present the candy.

This couple did their candy bar and guestbook in an old library catalog system. WTH?? How awesome is that?! Alas, I am not that creative. I don’t think it would really work with the feel of our wedding or the venue space, either. But it would be awesome for a book-themed or library wedding! Someone please do this. For me. So I can live vicariously through you.

A “Jilly Bean” Bar because the bride’s name is Jill. Awesome. Why can I not have a cool name that you can do wordplay with? Sweet setup on the shelves, too; I am really digging those beautiful columns.

ï»¿And can we please discuss how much I am in love with Amy Atlas’s styling? Seriously, you guys. She is amazing, and my hero. Every single one of her buffets just looks perfect. My fave is this first one—can I please change my colors to powder blue, golds, and creams?

ï»¿Good thing I have some self restraint. Ah, Lent, I can’t wait until you are over and I can go back to my sugary ways. Or not. Yeah, we might need to do a diet post at some point.

Did you have a candy buffet at your wedding? Are you lucky enough to have been to a wedding with a candy buffet? What sorts of candy did people include? What vessels did you/they use? Was there any particularly awesome display for the buffet? I want details, people!!

comments

OMG, those candy buffets are gorgeous! We are gonna have a brownie buffet, but I am hoping to jazz it up with some color. Seriously though, thanks for the post full of candy and eye candy (har har har)!

I have never seen her site before, and all I have to say is OMG! You have provided so much more inspiration for me! I am so excited that you posted this. I have been trying to come up with some better ideas to use for our candy buffet and you have provided them. I can’t wait to see what you do with yours!

I feel like I’m the only bride in bloggerland *not* digging candy buffets! D: I think they’re cute and adorable, but for some reason I just can’t get behind them. That said, I think your candy apples idea is super adorable, and I hope it works out for you!

We have decided to do a candy/cupcake buffet in one! YUM!!! My big debate now is whether or not we should do color-coordinated candy or just candy that we love! Reese’s PB Cups are my absolute fav, as are Sour Patch Kids – but don’t really fit in with my purple, yellow and silver colors!

We are not sure yet of what we will do for the dessert, but for sure we will have a “confettata”, which is a buffet of confetti (the Italian sugar almonds). We will get them in our colors so I think it’ll come out really nicely!

First the cakes and now the candy, you’ve got to stop! You are making me crazed for candy while I’m at work. I love candy buffets and can’t quite give up the idea of having one even though we already have a favor.

I also salivate over the candy buffet photos that are rampant online. I especially love when the candies are displayed in apothecary and Mason jars…it just reminds me of simpler, carefree times. AH. While we won’t be having a candy buffet, the Mr. and I will present some scrumptuous chocolates tucked inside lavender organza drawstring bags. (Feeling goosebumps already!)

I’ve been to a wedding with a candy buffet and that stuff didn’t last very long! The items that went fast were the cake pops. I’m doing cake pops for my wedding too, but wrapping them up as favors to put on each guests’ plate so there is enough for everyone to enjoy!

Amy Atlas! I DIE! Love her. And I love all of your inspiration pics. Baaah…I have a huge sweet tooth too but didn’t have enough self-restraint to give it up for lent this year like you! Anyhoo, we are also doing a candy buffet. Love them!

Guest

Sapphire MOH,
Guest
04/08/11 @ 4:49 pm

Miss Cinnamon Buns is incorporating a lot of bookish things in her day, I’m sure she’d love the library catalog one!
So much awesomeness in one post, holy cow. Now I want some sugar…

I definitely want to have one. And while I love the look of a buffet with the same colors, I would so much rather just have it be my favorite candies.

Guest

periwinkle,
Guest
04/11/11 @ 2:38 am

They ARE as fun as they looked! I put one together myself for my DD’s wedding. That thing was decimated – 300 guests and I think 1/3 of them missed it entirely. We had everything you can think of in pink and green, intending for it to be a big decor element as well as a favor. None of the candy was purchased online – if you have the time, you can scout it out locally for much cheaper.

I fell in love with Candy Tables so much that I started my own business called Sugar Fix!

Those pics are great, Candy Tables are just so pretty, I see so many guests taking pictures of them too!
My last Candy Table was done for a bridal shower, she loved it – as it was a surprise from her MOH.

I’m located in New York and serve the surrounding areas, CT, NJ and even parts of PA.